Proceedings of the 2021 Resource Operators Conference

Proceedings of the 2021 Resource Operators Conference

[Preface]
On behalf of the organising committee, we welcome you to the Resource Operators’ Conference (ROC2021), a rebranded name of the well-known Coal Operators’ Conference. The conference is hosted jointly between the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and is supported by the Illawarra Branch of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Mine Managers Association of Australia.

Holding the conference under such difficult conditions has presented many challenges; remaining up-to-date and considerate of the current COVID-19 pandemic - no matter how scary – has felt somewhat controllable. Dealing with climate change activists on the other hand has been difficult and daunting, to say the least.

In this conference 30 papers out of the total of 37 papers were presented over the two days online conference. The conference focused on innovations and best practice in the areas of worker safety and reducing the environmental impact of the mining sector. Additionally the conference addressed issues relating to various aspects of modern mining operations, both surface and underground, bringing industry experts and university researchers together to share their expertise and knowledge to help the industry be safer and more efficient.

While organising a conference during a pandemic and then switching it to a new format presented many challenges, the end result was well worth the effort and provided a valuable forum for sharing best practice and innovation in safety and environmental performance for the mining sector. The Hon Ian Macfarlane, Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council was guest speaker. Addressing the conference on the topic of 'The challenges and future of Australian’s resources sector and the advancements the industry has made in relation to safety', his speech is included in this proceeding.

Thanks are extended to; Professor John Bell, DVC Research from the University of Southern Queensland, for his encouraging words and Professor Valerie Linton for her full support and encouragement, which energised us to make this conference go ahead after a year’s hiatus. Thanks also to BBUGS, NUGS and the conference sponsors. Finally, a big thank you to the organising team, which made this conference possible, in particular Johlene Morrison of the UOW for her exceptional organisational and editorial skills, Dr. Ali Mirzaghorbanali of USQ, Kevin Marsden, Dr. Zhenjun (Ricky) Shan, and the conference advisory committee members. Finally, sincere thanks to authors and participants, who form the backbone of the conference success. The online zoom connection was facilitated by the University of Southern Queensland.

All papers are peer reviewed to maintain the conference’s high standing and recognition. All proceedings are available online through the University of Wollongong Library Research Online http://ro.uow.edu.au/coal

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